Police have arrested three men on suspicion of sexual assault and false imprisonment within the grounds of an Islamic girls' school in Lancaster.

Police presence at the Jamea Al Kauthar school in Lancashire Credit: ITV Granada

A 40-year-old and 30-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and false imprisonment and a 53-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment. All three are currently in custody.

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment and sexual assault following an incident within the grounds of an Islamic girls’ school.

Police say they are investigating reports surrounding the welfare of a small group of teenage girls in the grounds of the Islamic School for Girls in Lancaster.

An investigation has been launched after a report was made to police involving concern for the welfare of a small group of teenage girls within the grounds of the Islamic School for Girls in Lancaster.

We are still at the very early stages of the investigation and our aim at the moment is to respond to the concerns raised proportionately, in a measured way and with sensitivity.

Searches at the school are being conducted by specialist, female officers with sensitivity and are being carried out as quickly as possible to ensure minimum impact.

We are working closely with the school and the local authorities to establish the circumstances around exactly what has taken place and we have specialist officers supporting the victims.

– Lancashire Police statement

Three men have been arrested in connection with the investigation.

A 40-year-old man from Bolton and a 30-year-old man from Blackburn have been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and false imprisonment and a 53-year-old man from Blackburn has been arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment.

Police have arrested three men on suspicion of sexual assault and false imprisonment within the grounds of an Islamic girls' school in Lancaster.

A 40-year-old man from Bolton and a 30-year-old man from Blackburn have been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and false imprisonment and a 53-year-old man from Blackburn has been arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment.

A 13-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl at a children's play centre.

Lancashire Police's Detective Inspector Phil Jones, said: “This is a very sensitive investigation and we are seeking the help of the public. I would ask the parents or relatives of any children who were at The Zone on Saturday between 12.30pm and 2pm to contact the police.

“I would like to stress that at this stage, there is no suggestion that any other child has been a victim; we do believe this to have been an isolated incident. However, we are seeking any witnesses that may have seen something suspicious or out of the ordinary."

Anybody with any information can contact police on 101, quoting log number LC-20130216-1061, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.